Ogunyemi settles in at Siena

J.S.CARRAS/THE RECORD Siena basketball players get drink at the end of practice before the start of media day for Siena men's basketball program Friday, October 18, 2013 at The ARC in Loudonville, N.Y..

J.S.CARRAS/THE RECORD Siena basketball coach Jimmy Patsos talks with former standout Kenny Hasbrouck practice session before during media day for Siena men's basketball program Friday, October 18, 2013 at The ARC in Loudonville, N.Y..

Loudonville >> Transitioning from high school to college is difficult on its own.

Throw in the demands of playing a Division I sport and a family tragedy and that’s what Troy native Javion Ogunyemi has had to deal with in his first few months on Siena’s campus.

The Troy High grad lost his mother, Thomasina Schultz, to cancer in August, weeks after beginning summer classes. Ogunyemi originally chose Siena because he could play Division I basketball, while remaining close to home — a choice, he is even happier about now.

“It’s great that I went here because I have my mother’s side of the family, in Troy, to support me, a phone call away,” he said.

Ogunyemi was recruited by schools from conference larger than the MAAC, but knows that if he had gone further away for school, the recent events may have altered his plans.

“To be honest, I’d probably be back home,” he said.

Being close to home is a blessing for Ogunyemi, but he also knows that he has some space, when he needs it.

“Siena is as far away from Troy as I want to make it,” said the 6-foot-8, 230-pound forward.

Like all freshmen, Ogunyemi has had a few bumps on the court, but all in all, he has started to contribute on the floor.

One of five scholarship freshmen, Ogunyemi is making a bid to be in Siena’s starting five when the season tips-off on Nov. 8 against crosstown rival UAlbany.

Being a local player, Ogunyemi knows all about the Siena/UAlbany rivalry. He was in the stands with his Troy High teammates for last season’s game, a 69-56 victory by the Great Danes, in front of 10,229 fans.

“For me to start my (college) career in that game is one of the greatest moments,” he said.

Ogunyemi was The Record’s All-City Player of the Year last season, following a season in which the Flying Horses won the Section II title and went all the way to the New York State semifinals. Ogunyemi averaged 18.0 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3.8 blocks per game for Troy High.

The Saints were picked to finish 10th in the new-look 11-team Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference under first-year head coach Jimmy Patsos. Monmouth and Quinnipiac joined the conference this season. Loyola left for the Patriot League.

“Everyone’s competing and playing hard,” said junior Rob Poole, who will be one of the veterans, with no scholarship seniors on the roster.

Having coached in the MAAC for the past nine years at Loyola (Md.), Patsos is very aware of Siena’s history and tradition of being one of the top programs.

“We’re just looking to earn our way,” he said.

Patsos knows that the following the Saints have in the Capital District is passionate and admits to having some sleepless nights, wondering how this season will transpire.

“This is very similar to Maryland,” said Patsos, who spent 13 seasons with the Terrapins under coach Gary Williams, who will be at Siena’s practice on Tuesday.

Patsos has the reputation of being a very demanding coach.

“He demands a lot, but he gives a lot too,” said Poole.

The rigors of both school and basketball have weighed heavily on Ogunyemi since his mother’s passing, but having his family, his coaches and his teammates there to support him has made things less difficult.

“We have a great team,” he said. “Everyone likes to laugh and joke around, so it helps me get my mind off things. We have a good coaching staff. Coach Patsos is a great guy and that’s made everything easier for me.”